Staff and volunteers at an independent school near Bordon are picking up the pieces after a “vital” outdoor learning area was vandalised during the half term break.

The Green Room School at 1 Old Park Farm in Kingsley was targeted by heartless thieves and vandals sometime during the last week of October.

A spokesperson for the school said: “Unfortunately, over the recent half-term break, our much loved Bushcraft and outdoor learning area was subjected to significant vandalism.

“This mindless act has resulted in the damage to the area, fire pit and equipment as well as items being stolen all of which our pupils use daily as an essential part of our curriculum.”

The spokesperson added: “This area is a valued resource, and the children take immense pride in working and learning there. The damage is a deeply upsetting blow to the pupils who rely on this space for hands on, creative learning.

“We have reported the incident to the police and passed on physical evidence that has been found we are also conducting an internal review of the incident.

“We understand that members of the outer community often use the paths around the school ground during the holidays, and we are appealing for any assistance you may be able to offer.”

A spokesperson from the Deadwater Valley Trust said: “Really sad news from our friends at The Green Room Kingsley.

“Their students have been working with us for some time now and are a smashing bunch.

“The outdoor space at the school is vital and has only just had a revamp with so much work put in by the staff and pupils.”

The Green Room School is an independent alternative learning school which prides its self on doing things differently and its bushcraft programme is an example of this.